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A second warm-up is forecast early next week with high temperatures near 50 degrees in Buffalo on Monday. The first warmup comes today and Thursday with highs in the mid 40s and near 50, respectively. (National Weather Service)

Mid-month thaw could melt icy grip on creeks, streams

The warmest air of the month is forecast in Buffalo today and Thursday, and it could melt a lot of the snow and thaw the ice pack on area creeks and streams.

Here's what the National Weather Service says to expect:

Today

Gradual clearing in the late morning with a southwesterly wind. Daytime highs in the mid-40s.

A 40 percent chance for showers or drizzle in the evening with overnight lows near 40 degrees.

Thursday

The temperature will reach near 50 degrees with dewpoints in the 40s and breezy westerly winds, forecasters said.

That's a perfect combination for significant melting of the snow and ice pack around the Buffalo Niagara region.

There's a 50/50 chance for showers.

Chances for showers increase by Thursday night with patchy fog and overnight lows in the mid-30s. As much as one-quarter inch of rain is possible, the weather service said.

Forecasters said the warmer temperatures and light rain could result in a rise on area creeks and streams.

"This may result in a few ice jams," the weather service said in a hazardous weather outlook. "There is also a small chance a few waterways will approach flood stage, depending on how much rain falls and how warm it gets."

Beyond

Colder air is expected to return Friday with rain, chances for mixed precipitation and highs in the mid-30s.

Overnight lows could drop back into the low teens by Friday night.

Another warm-up could be in the offing early next week.

After Sunday temperatures in the low 40s, forecasters said the mercury could reach closer to 50 again on Monday and Tuesday.